Veteran Acknowledgement

This guide can be used when presenting a Nebraska Hospice-Veteran Partnership lapel pins to a veteran(s).

Purpose

To acknowledge the military service and sacrifices made by the veteran and his/her family. The pinning gives an opportunity for each veteran to share part of his or her story.

There are two basic types of ceremonies:

Planned Ceremony

A planned ceremony enables family and staff to be present. It may be connected to a holiday such as Veterans Day or Memorial Day. Veterans can share their stories, providing insight to the staff as to the importance of each veteran’s military service. It is not uncommon for the family to be unaware of these stories if the veteran didn’t talk about his/her service or role in the military. The chaplain or social worker may have noted a need of the veteran to find meaning and purpose for his or her life. Having a sense of meaning and purpose becomes important at the end of life. We all want to know our life and work has value.

Unexpected or Spontaneous Opportunities

You can also thank veterans in informal or unexpected settings, such as when staff visit a patient’s home or facility for an admission or care visit. One’s judgment chooses the right time to do the pinning. While perhaps spontaneous, it is always good to present the pin in front of an audience – even a small one – especially if it can include the patient’s family. It helps to have a small supply of pins with you during visits, since one never knows when an opportunity will present itself.

During the Ceremony

Consider asking the veteran:

  • We are here to acknowledge your service to the nation. Would you be willing to tell us some of what you did in the military?
  • When did you go in, where did you serve, what do you remember most?
  • How long did you serve?

The host should:

  • Listen to the story and ask questions.
  • Consider videotaping the veteran, with his/her permission.
  • Allow the family to ask questions and add information.

Suggested Words for the Pinning Ceremony

Thank you for your service to our nation. Thank you for the sacrifices you made and your willingness to serve our country. You endured hardships and were willing to risk your life to maintain our freedom. On behalf of (our staff, the VA, ___ Hospice) please accept our thanks and gratitude. When you see this pin, know that your service to the nation is deeply appreciated. We thank you.

For more information, contact the Nebraska Hospice-Veteran Partnership

402-477-0204,